The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is advising people who have a peanut allergy to avoid consuming foods that contain or may contain mustard, mustard powder or mustard flour because they may have been contaminated with peanuts. These mustard ingredients can be found in food such as dips, sauces, salads and pre-packed sandwiches. Both peanuts and mustard are among the 14 allergens on which it is mandatory to provide information.
FGS Ingredients Ltd is recalling several products containing mustard powder because they may be contaminated with peanuts, as there is a potential that anyone consuming products containing these mustard products may be exposed to an undeclared allergen, and this may pose a health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanuts. The FSA is working with businesses, local authorities and industry to trace the specific products affected (the most recent alert is detailed below).
With this advice in mind, consumers are being advised that food product labels and food businesses must be able to give accurate advice on the presence of mustard in food. Please consider this information if you have any questions about the presence of peanut allergens in food, and the food contains mustard.
The most recent FSA update (as of the 23/9/24) can be found at https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/news/urgent-allergy-advice-mustard-ingredients-contaminated-with-peanuts and the most recent allergen alert (detailing specific products that are being recalled) can be found at Update 3: FGS Ingredients Ltd recalls a number of products containing mustard powder because of undeclared peanuts | Food Standards Agency. You can also subscribe to future alerts on this page.
What Steps Should You Take as a Business:-
- Check which of your products contain or may contain any of these ingredients (mustard, mustard powder or mustard flour)
- Make a decision on whether to stop using them (this may depend on the type of customers you have (such as the more vulnerable or young children) or whether you are part of a large company and have been instructed to stop).
- If you choose to continue using them, update all of your documented allergen information including matrices.
- Brief your team on this matter and ensure they are mindful when answering allergy questions from customers, especially when a customer declares a peanut allergy.
- You may wish to place a separate customer notice on this issue at points of sale and service.
- Keep an eye out for any FSA Updates or specific product recalls or supplier notifications in association with this issue and action accordingly.
- Contact us here at Navitas Safety should you have any concerns or questions.
